In June alone, 449 patients were referred to UHDB for two-week breast cancer appointments – but 361 were not seen within that time.

Meanwhile, again in June, 198 patients were referred for urgent breast symptom issues – not strictly suspected breast cancer – but 160 were not seen within two weeks.

Papers published by the Derby and Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group say that the average number of monthly referrals for breast-related issues – including suspected cancer – to UHDB has increased by 31 per cent each year for the past couple of years.

In 2016 there was an average of 384 referrals per month – but this has nearly doubled and as of July this year there were 726 referrals.

The CCG says that the trust is having issues with consultant oncology capacity as a result of the increasing referral rates.

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Of the 361 patients with suspected breast cancer referrals, 340 were not seen due to “capacity issues”.

Of the 160 patients with suspected breast symptom referrals, 150 were also not seen due to “capacity issues”.

UHDB says that its latest figures, which are not yet public, have improved and it is now meeting its target for patients seen within 14 days – achieving 95 per cent.

Mike Goodwin, divisional director of cancer, diagnostics and clinical support, said: “It is absolutely vital that we are able to diagnose cancer cases as quickly as possible.

“Improving the identification of cancer at an early stage is an important part of the NHS Long Term Plan, as detecting and treating cancer at an early stage can significantly improve the prognosis of our patients.

Queen's Hospital, in Burton (Image: Burton Mail)

“There has been an increase in the number of breast cancer referrals and we have introduced a number of initiatives to manage this increase in demand, including providing extra outpatient clinics at our breast units at the Royal Derby Hospital and Queen’s Hospital Burton.

“At the ‘one-stop’ clinics, patients receive a single appointment where a mammogram and other tests are combined with a consultation with a doctor, in order to provide patients with support and to help quickly diagnose any conditions.”

Emma Greenwood, Cancer Research UK’s director of policy, said: “It’s unacceptable that so many people are diagnosed late. Although survival has improved, it’s not happening fast enough.”

Matt Case, Cancer Research UK’s policy manager, said: “Waiting for a potential cancer diagnosis is a worrying time so it’s concerning that the UHDB doesn’t have capacity to meet the two-week wait for breast symptoms.

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“But it’s positive that the trust was meeting other targets, and in June treated 100 per cent of breast cancer patients within 62 days of their diagnosis.

“Figures like these show the NHS continues to be under immense strain.

“To have any chance of meeting its ambitions for early diagnosis, the Government needs to invest to make sure we have enough key cancer staff now and in the future.”

Gunes Kalkan, head of policy and evidence at Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now, said: “It is extremely concerning that the majority of women being referred to UHDB with breast symptoms were not seen by a specialist within two weeks.

Cancer referrals have increased substantially year on year (Image: Derby Telegraph)

“It is unacceptable that the two-week wait targets, both where breast cancer is and isn’t initially suspected, have been missed for the third month in a row, falling well below target each time.

“The wait to see a specialist is a worrying time already, so delays can make this particularly agonising.

“It is critical that women are given a definitive answer as soon as possible, to either provide peace of mind or allow them to begin treatment at the earliest stage.

“It’s encouraging that the hospital trust is exploring ways to increase capacity in the workforce, and we now need to see clear steps taken to urgently improve the situation.